France
The Libraires beach in Pornichet, in Pays de la Loire, is a spot shared between Pornichet and La Baule in the famous bay. It is a popular place for riders due to its large sandy beach and access to an offshore navigation area.
During the summer, a dedicated K13 channel for kitesurfers allows access to the area beyond 300 meters, under strict supervision. Off-season, the space widens for more freedom, ideal for freeride or foil sessions.
The spot attracts everyone from beginners to experts depending on the conditions, with versatile wind except from the east.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
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flatThe spot works well with winds from west to northwest, which are side-shore or side-on relative to the south-facing beach. In west wind, it’s perfect for a smooth launch via the K13 channel located at the level of the buildings in waves, between Pornichet and La Baule.
The equipment preparation area is on the wet sand near the channel, with takeoff allowed only if the wind is at least 6-10 knots and the tide allows for wet sand; mid-falling tide is ideal when the second buoy is clear. Navigation is mandatory beyond 300 meters, marked by yellow buoys, while staying at least 100 meters from the shore.
At low tide or mid-tide, flat pools are found for freestyle and foil, perfect for light winds. At high tide, the water becomes choppier, the rigging space reduced by buildings, and possible shore break. Summer imposes the open channel from 12 PM to 7 PM under supervision, wingfoil excluded from the kite channel; outside of hours, total responsibility lies with the experienced rider.
The ideal conditions are a side-shore wind from the west or northwest between 15 and 25 knots, at mid-falling tide for easy access to the channel and a flat water surface in pools.
Variable water conditions: ultra flat in pools at low tide for freestyle and foil, choppy at high tide with possible strong shore break depending on the swell. Sandbanks create nice waves in strong swell.
Currents are generally weak in the bay, but more pronounced near the K13 channel where caution is required. The significant tides in the region strongly influence the navigable space and launch conditions.
Opt for sizes from 9 to 12 m² in moderate west winds, smaller like 7-9 m² if gusty or wavy, and up to 11-13 m² for foil in light winds.
The prevailing winds come from the west to northwest, consistent in the cold season, with sessions possible every month according to data. No specific local name, but typical strength of 10-25 knots, ideal for freeride, waves, or foil; avoid east winds that disrupt.
The climate is mild oceanic, with pleasant temperatures year-round: around 10-15°C in winter and 20-25°C in summer. Dry seasons are rare, but hot summers attract tourists, making the spot more regulated.
The depth is gradual with a fine sandy bottom, possible to stand far out at low tide in the pools. Beware of potential rocks near Pornichet.
The water remains cool in winter around 10-12°C, rises to 16-20°C in spring and autumn, and reaches 18-22°C in summer.
